Euphrasinia Polatskaya

Euphrasinia Polatskaya
(secular name Pradslava),
(1102 - not later than 1104-1173),

Princess, Mother Superior of the Polatsk Saint Savior Convent, an enlightener of the Kievan Russia period, the first woman canonized by the Orthodox church. She was prince Georgy Usiaslavavich's daughter, prince of Polatsk Usiaslau Charadzei's (Usiaslau the Enchanter) granddaughter. Unwilling to get married, she took the veil. She was copying church books and was also believed to be writing chronicles and original works. Euphrasinia funded the construction of two churches in Polatsk. She was also a founder of a monastery and a nunnery, which turned to be important cultural centers in the Polatsk principality. In 1161, following her order, craftsman Lazar Bohsha made a cross, which was named the Cross of Euphrasinia Polatskaya.